Hiking & outdoor recreationLength10.6 km
Duration(3-4 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Kaunisharjun Kierros Trail takes you along eskers shaped by the Ice Age, through ancient spruce forests and past lakes and streams in Salla National Park. The route is especially popular for mountain biking, but also offers things to see for walkers. While relatively close to the resort, the trail still has a wilderness atmosphere. According to legend, a hermit lived in his hiding place in Kaunisharju and stayed away from the beaten tracks.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
Multi-purpose trailIn addition to walking, you can also cycle or trail run along the trail.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping is allowed in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
No water pointThere are natural water points along the trail, but the water must be boiled before use.
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointSallatunturi Resort Centre, Revontulentie, 98900 Salla
Starting pointSalla Visitor Centre, Hautajärventie 111, 98900 Salla
The Kaunisharju Trail can be started from the Sallatunturi Resort Centre, making the route approximately 11 km long, or from the Salla Visitor Centre, making the total length 11.6 km. The route description starts from the Sallatunturi Resort Centre. Trail markings: blue squares on trees, partly red squares on trees (UKK Trail section). Note that the markings of the trail may be incomplete in some places.
The Kaunisharju Trail begins at the Sallatunturi Resort Centre, following a path leading on to the right from the information signs. After just 100 meters, turn left at the first intersection.
The trail meanders along parallel to the Salla–Kuusamo road (Road 950) almost half the way, initially along the edge of a mire through old mixed forests. Turn right at the next two junctions.
Soon, you cross a small stream and the boundary of Salla National Park. After a while, you reach a junction where you can turn right toward the Salla Visitor Centre or continue left, deeper into the old-growth forests of the national park.
The first rest stop of the trail is the lean-to shelter of Kaunisharju, which is located in a little valley with a stream and a pond.
From the lean-to shelter, the path begins to climb into the dense ancient forest of Kontiokangas, heading toward the second rest stop at Tunturilampi lean-to shelters.
Slightly before the lean-to shelter, the trail leaves Salla National Park. Magnificent views of Iso Pyhätunturi open up from the shores of Tunturilampi.
From Tunturilampi lean-to shelter the trail continues to the right through an old spruce and pine forest, following a wider ski track base.
From the next intersection, a path leads to the Salla Visitor Centre to the left. The Kaunisharju Trail continues from the intersection without turning.
The next intersection is at the Pieni Pyhätunturi maintenance road. At this point, along the service road, you can make an approximately kilometer-long one-way walk to the view point. The distant landscapes will reward the sweaty climb uphill. The steep service road is asphalted in places and gravel-surfaced in places.
The Kaunisharju Trail continues forward from the intersection of the service road, immediately after which there is another intersection, from which you turn right to the trail base of the so-called Kuntolatu, fitness track.
The Kaunisharju Trail goes downhill to the left, past pine trees and candle-shaped firs.
The next intersection is by the power line. The trail continues straight ahead along the path on the left. The path on the right is part of the Kuntolatu trail base. Along the power line, the route turns left towards the Salla Visitor Centre.
The Kaunisharju Trail once again crosses the Kuntolatu trail. Also at this intersection, turn left, steeply downhill.
After the downhill, the starting point of the Sallatunturi Resort Centre is soon ahead.
End pointSallatunturi Resort Centre, Revontulentie, 98900 Salla
End pointSalla Visitor Centre, Hautajärventie 111, 98900 Salla